Human rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: The opportunities and challenges of convergence

In order to respond to rising global inequalities, States and other stakeholders must work to leverage the inter-dependent and mutually reinforcing nature of, on the one hand, the promotion and protection of, and respect for all human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights, civil and political rights, and the right to development; and, on the other hand, the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

If the 2030 Agenda is to be realised in a way that truly does ‘leave no one behind,’ then human rights obligations and commitments must be applied, implemented and protected by all UN member States. Similarly, the full enjoyment of all human rights will only be possible in the context of worldwide progress with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and Targets, including the eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions.

With this in mind, on 29th June, the Group of Friends of the Human Rights Council initiative on ‘human rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ convened a full day, open informal consultation meeting on ‘Human rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: The opportunities and challenges of convergence’ organised by the Permanent Missions of Chile and Denmark, together with the core group (Ecuador, Luxembourg, Portugal, Rwanda, and Uruguay) and with the support of Universal Rights Group. The meeting was held on Thursday 29th June from 09h00 to 17h00 at the Château des Bois, 10 chemin de la Combe d’Ornex, Satigny, just outside Geneva.

The morning session provided a space for States to exchange information and experience vis-à-vis national efforts to leverage the mutually reinforcing nature of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and international human rights obligations, commitments and recommendations. While the afternoon offered a chance to consider international support and cooperation to assist States with the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and their international human rights obligations, including through capacity-building and technical assistance, and the development of practical tools.